Chapter 27: Seizing the Chance for Victory

Butterfly Shinobu also left immediately to prepare the medicines.

“Hey, woman, if I master that Total Concentration Constant thing, will I be as strong as that Flame Pillar Han Yu?” Inosuke Hashibira, seeing Han Yu depart and the oppressive aura fade, turned to Kanao Kamiki and asked.

“Before discussing that, what you need to do now is begin rehabilitation training,” Kanao replied, her fists clenched, her tone earnest. “This is an order from my sister. I’ll make sure you recover as quickly as possible.”

“Thank you, Miss Kanao,” Tanjiro Kamado, understanding the situation, responded with genuine gratitude.

“But my poison hasn’t been cured yet! Didn’t you say all I needed was medicine? Why do I have to participate in training too? Wasn’t Han Yu just talking to Tanjiro? Why am I involved?” Zenitsu Agatsuma, seeing Tanjiro ready to begin, waved his hands anxiously.

“Let’s do our best together, Zenitsu!” Tanjiro encouraged him.

“No, no, I still have a lot of poison in me,” Zenitsu protested, shaking his head desperately.

But since Kanao had received instructions from her sister, she didn’t bother explaining further, and simply dragged Zenitsu toward the training ground.

Initially, Zenitsu had resisted fiercely, but being pulled along by a girl, he quickly quieted down.

Chu Fan, hearing the lively sounds from Butterfly Mansion, felt reassured.

Although in the world of Demon Slayer, only Tanjiro Kamado was the "Child of the World," Zenitsu Agatsuma and Inosuke Hashibira formed a trio with him. Each possessed the talent and potential to become strong.

Tanjiro excelled in his sense of smell, and had mastered both the Sun Breathing and Water Breathing techniques.

Zenitsu’s sense of hearing was extraordinary, and he had mastered Thunder Breathing, allowing him to unleash bursts of speed.

Inosuke’s sense of touch was unparalleled—he could sense the movement of air and had created his own Beast Breathing technique.

In terms of talent, Chu Fan believed Inosuke was the strongest among the trio—after all, he had invented a breathing technique without a teacher.

Although Inosuke’s strength was currently lacking, he wasn’t arrogant or blindly ignorant. When he encountered someone stronger, he could readily admit his inferiority.

So even though Inosuke had accompanied Tanjiro in visiting Chu Fan, Chu Fan didn’t take offense.

And though Chu Fan hadn’t spoken with Inosuke, he knew that demonstrating true strength would be enough to inspire Inosuke to train diligently, given his competitive nature.

Zenitsu, on the other hand, was timid and cowardly, but tended to follow the crowd. When it came to girls, even a slight touch would make him gentle or intensely focused.

Whenever Zenitsu fell into a semi-conscious state, he could unleash his greatest power, making him the strongest of the trio—if only his timid nature didn’t hold him back.

By the time of the final battle, all three would have strength comparable to the Upper Moons of the Twelve Demon Moons.

Now, thanks to Chu Fan’s guidance, their progress would be accelerated, and they would become valuable allies.

Chu Fan’s subordinate, Xiaoju, noticed that Chu Fan had visited Lady Butterfly empty-handed.

“Lord Han Yu, you seem to be in a good mood,” Xiaoju remarked, seeing the smile on Han Yu’s face.

“Yes, because I’ve found the opportunity for humanity to win,” Chu Fan replied with a slight nod.

“With you here, and so many pillars, I’m sure we’ll succeed,” Xiaoju said, though she didn’t quite understand what Chu Fan meant by “opportunity,” but felt reassured nonetheless.

Seeing her confusion, Chu Fan didn’t explain further.

“By the way, Lord Han Yu, you visited Lady Butterfly—the Insect Pillar—just now, didn’t you?” Xiaoju asked, watching Han Yu practice with his Nichirin blade.

“I wouldn’t call it a visit. I just went over and chatted about a few things,” Chu Fan replied casually.

“Then allow me to deliver some gifts on your behalf,” Xiaoju said, sighing inwardly at her master’s carefree nature, yet resigned, and went off without waiting for instructions, carrying some food she’d prepared to Butterfly Mansion next door.

Butterfly Mansion and Chrysanthemum Mansion were neighbors, and although Lord Han Yu rarely visited, Xiaoju often interacted with the Butterfly Mansion.

Before becoming Chu Fan’s subordinate, Xiaoju had been a member of the Hidden Corps, dealing with daily affairs.

“Oh dear—if only your master were as polite as you,” Butterfly Shinobu said with a smile upon receiving the gifts and Xiaoju’s apology for Chu Fan’s brash entrance.

“Lord Han Yu is always kind to me, never causing trouble,” Xiaoju replied apologetically. “He simply devotes himself to training and has a carefree personality. If he’s caused you any trouble, please forgive him.”

Chrysanthemum Mansion and Butterfly Mansion were neighbors, so maintaining good relations was important. After all, Lady Butterfly was a doctor—should Lord Han Yu ever need treatment, she would surely heal him according to her medical ethics, but a poor impression might bring unnecessary hardship.

Thus, Xiaoju hoped to ease any bad feelings and spare her master from needless trouble.

“I was only joking,” Butterfly Shinobu said gently, seeing Xiaoju’s efforts to dispel any ill feelings. “Han Yu’s contributions to the Demon Slayer Corps are invaluable. And I like your gifts very much.”

“Thank you, Lady Butterfly. I’ll take my leave now,” Xiaoju replied, breathing a sigh of relief and departing courteously.

“He’s a good person, is he? What a surprising assessment.” Butterfly Shinobu murmured, gazing toward Chrysanthemum Mansion after Xiaoju left.

It was no exaggeration to say that Han Yu was the least popular among the pillars of the Demon Slayer Corps. Even the cheerful Love Pillar, Mitsuri Kanroji, dared not approach him lightly.

Han Yu’s circumstances were unusual; his strength was formidable and shrouded in mystery. Even Butterfly Shinobu herself dared not provoke him.

Earlier, she had raised her voice so Han Yu next door could hear, venting her frustration at his sudden imposition of trouble.